“The Last Starfighter” is a 1984 science fiction film directed by Nick Castle and notable for its early use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create its space battle scenes. The movie has since become a cult classic, appreciated for its pioneering special effects and charming story that blends adventure and humor.

The film’s plot centers around Alex Rogan, played by Lance Guest, a teenager living in a trailer park who excels at a video game called “Starfighter.” Unbeknownst to Alex, the game is actually a recruitment tool created by an alien defense force. When he achieves the game’s highest score, Alex is visited by Centauri, played by Robert Preston, who reveals that the game was designed to find potential pilots to fight in an interstellar war.

Alex is whisked away to a distant planet where he’s expected to join the fight against the malevolent Kodan Armada. Feeling out of his depth, Alex initially refuses and returns home, only to find that his involvement has put his life and those he loves in danger. Faced with no other choice, Alex returns to space, takes on the role of a Starfighter, and with the help of his alien co-pilot Grig, played by Dan O’Herlihy, he engages in a desperate battle to save the universe.

“The Last Starfighter” is often celebrated for its heartfelt narrative and the way it taps into the universal dream of being plucked from an ordinary life to do something extraordinary. It explores themes of heroism, adventure, and the idea that greatness can come from the most unexpected places. The film is also a notable milestone in the history of special effects, showcasing some of the first uses of CGI to create realistic space scenes, setting the stage for many future advancements in film technology. Do you have any particular aspects of the film that you find most interesting or memorable?